Are OMEGA Watches A Good Investment?

Are OMEGA Watches A Good Investment?

OMEGA watches appreciate much often and they do tend to hold their value. There are a lot of gems from OMEGA that you can snag for a very competitive price nowadays.

As an investment, there are a lot of other brands and models that have quadrupled in price since their launch. 

Luxury Watches are often bought to flip for a profit. In reality, They are far more valuable than that. However, if you are looking for an OMEGA as an investment, we have a few lined up for you today. 

The rare a model the high price they will fetch. So are OMEGAs a good investment? Let’s find out!

If you are confused about luxury watch investment, Check out our contemporary guide to Investing in the Luxury Watch.

OMEGA Watches As Investment - A Quick Look

The OMEGA Seamaster 300M is a great watch to enter the world of the luxury watch market. It is the perfect balance of style and affordability. This makes it the best watch to have in the mid to entry-level market. The Seamaster has long been hailed as the best watch to have for those who are looking to buy a watch that embodies class and precision craftsmanship all in one solid package.

Which OMEGA Watch Is The Best Investment?

It is no secret that buying an OMEGA can burn a hole through your wallet.  Having an OMEGA is like being a part of an elite class of people who love and enjoy flaunting their wealth. Another good thing about OMEGA is that it is a great investment in the long run. A model that is in good condition can easily be sold in the market for a couple of thousand dollars.

Depending on such supply and demand, most OMEGA watches hold and, in some cases rise in value. A limited edition or antique OMEGA can be well worth 5 figure numbers in today's market.  Here is our pick of the best OMEGA watches to invest in.

Model

Why It’s Special 

OMEGA Seamaster 300M

Classic OMEGA Design

OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300m “No Time to Die Edition”

Magnetic resistance 15,000 gauss, Designed with Actor Daniel Craig himself.

OMEGA Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary

Photorealistic Moon and Earth on case back

OMEGA Speedmaster Professional “Ultraman”

Classic vintage model 

OMEGA ‘Ed White’ 321 Speedmaster

Vintage movement

OMEGA Speedmaster Professional “Sapphire Sandwich”

Limited Production (1,970 pieces)

OMEGA Speedmaster FOiS (First OMEGA in Space)

Limited Edition, Based on the First watch to go to the moon

OMEGA Speedmaster Alaska Project

Can withstand temperatures, in lunar or spatial atmospheres, ranging from -148C to +260C

List Of OMEGA Watches To Invest In: Our Shortlisted 8

Let’s expand on our list of the top OMEGA Watches to invest in. With many options to choose from here are our top 8 picks!

1. OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M

The Seamaster series is the watch to have if you are looking for a great Swiss watch. This particular model was launched in 1993. Back in 1948, the original Seamaster was the most durable watch to have in extreme conditions. The Diver 300M was designed for professional divers and equipped with the best water resistance from OMEGA. The Seamaster is a great watch to invest in as a first-time luxury watch buyer just for its longevity. 

This model blends the classic look of the original with a modern finish. This one comes in stylish stainless steel with a blue rubber strap. The blue ceramic dial features engraved wave patterns that add a dynamic texture to the watch. You also get rhodium-plated hands and raised indexes. The indexes are Super-LumiNova which enhances low-light visibility. 

Specs At A Glance:

  • Case Size: 42mm 
  • Finish: Brushed and polished stainless steel
  • Movement: OMEGA Master Chronometer Calibre 8800
  • Power Reserve: 55 hours
  • Dial: Blue ceramic with wave pattern engraving
  • Bezel: Rotating blue ceramic bezel
  • Crystal: Domed scratch-resistant sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters
  • Strap: Blue rubber with stainless steel buckle

 

2. Seamaster Diver 300m “No Time to Die Edition”

With the release of James Bond’s last movie in the series with Daniel Craig, OMEGA released a limited edition version of Seamaster.  Daniel Craig had spent time personally designing this watch with OMEGA expert craftsmen. It is truly a piece of history now. 

This Seamaster Diver 300m variation is even more durable. It comes with a Master Chronometer certification and magnetic resistance of 15,000 gauss. It takes design cues from the original but adds a Bond aesthetic to it. Made from grade 2 titanium this is lightweight and finished in matte black tan indices. Having the series ending now, this watch has the potential to shoot up in value in the coming years. 

Specs At A Glance:

  • Reference: 210.90.42.20.01.001
  • Case Material: Grade 2 Titanium
  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Dial: Matte black with tan hour plots
  • Movement: OMEGA Caliber 8806 
  • Power Reserve: 55 hours
  • Bracelet: Titanium Mesh 
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 300m

3. OMEGA Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary

The Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary Edition is a watch that came from the brand's partnership with NASA. NASA awarded the OMEGA Silver Snoopy Award for its role in the Apollo mission. This watch is recognizable for its striking blue aesthetic.

What differentiates this watch from the rest is the case back. It has a photorealistic Moon and Earth as the case back. Looking at the back, you will see that the Earth is linked to the subdial at 9 o’clock. When the chronograph is activated, Snoopy makes a journey from Earth to the Moon.

Two other editions came before this, one in 2003 and the other in 2015. Since it was limited in production, these versions have become an instant hit among collectors. This watch in particular is expected to follow the same trajectory and is poised to appreciate in the coming years. So try to get your hands on one quickly before they become difficult to find.

Specs At A Glance:

  • Reference: 310.32.42.50.02.001
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Case Thickness: 14.5mm
  • Movement: OMEGA Caliber 3861 (Manual-wind)
  • Power Reserve: 50 hours
  • Dial: Silver with blue subdials with Snoopy in the 9 o’clock subdial
  • Strap: Nylon fabric 
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 50m

4. OMEGA Speedmaster Professional “Ultraman”

The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional "Ultraman," is another rugged watch to have if you’re the outdoorsy type. It has a beautiful vivid orange accent. This model is a direct link to the original one that was launched in the late 1960s. This version is special as it was worn by a character in the Japanese TV show "Return of Ultraman." Since then this edition has cemented its position in history much like the James Bond Editions.

In 2018, OMEGA relaunched this design with the "Ultraman" moniker. It has more orange accents in the design. The hour markers, tachymeter, and Speedmaster logo are all orange. This is a limited edition watch from OMEGA with only 2,012 units made. This is a more premium watch from OMEGA that sports a Hesalite crystal known to be ultra-durable.

At launch, they were sold out within a couple of hours. As an investment OMEGA is another hall of famer that will keep going up in price until they release a new one. 

Specs At A Glance:

  • Reference: 311.12.42.30.01.001
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Case Thickness: 14mm
  • Dial: Black with orange accents
  • Movement: OMEGA Caliber 1861 
  • Power Reserve: 48 hours
  • Strap: NATO strap with orange accents
  • Crystal: Hesalite
  • Water Resistance: 50m

5. OMEGA Speedmaster “Ed White” 321 Movement 

The "Ed White" is another watch that reflects OMEGA’s history with space exploration. This recreated 39.7mm case size is famous as it was worn by astronaut Ed White during the first spacewalk. The biggest selling point for though for this is that OMEGA brought back the Caliber 321 movement launched in the 60s. 

The watch has an aged patina finish on the hour hand similar to a vintage watch. Although it didnt have a limited run, the modern "Ed White" is still loved by enthusiasts. It has great build quality and stories of history tied to its existence. 

If you’re looking for a rugged yet classy watch, look in the preowned market but they are not cheap. This watch is sought after just for its vintage movement. As an investment, this is another great watch to look out for.

Specs At A Glance:

  • Reference: 311.30.40.30.01.001
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Case Diameter: 39.7mm
  • Case Thickness: 13.7mm
  • Dial: Classic Black
  • Movement: OMEGA Caliber 321
  • Power Reserve: 55 hours
  • Bracelet: Stainless Steel 
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 50m

6. OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch “Sapphire Sandwich”

The Sapphire Sandwich gets this name because OMEGA had replaced the old hesalite crystals and steel case with sapphire crystals on both sides. The original Moonwatch had been a part of all missions to space in the early days. 

It is a more improved version of the predecessor as it has a newer newer and more efficient movement. It ticks all the boxes in terms of functionality and style. What's great is you get a chance to admire this movement through the glass back. NASA and OMEGA have had a partnership that has given enthusiasts a couple of beautiful watches to admire. This is one of the few that is truly a piece to have!

Specs At a Glance:

  • Reference: 310.30.42.50.01.002
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Case Thickness: 13.2mm
  • Dial: Black
  • Movement: OMEGA Caliber 3861 (Automatic, 6 beats per second)
  • Power Reserve: 50 hours
  • Bracelet: Stainless steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 50m

7. OMEGA Speedmaster FOiS (First OMEGA in Space)

Think of it as a remaster of a once great watch, the OMEGA Speedmaster FOiS was first released in 2012. It was a homage paid to the first OMEGA worn in space by astronaut Wally Shirra in 1962. This watch has the age-old vintage appeal of the original Speedmaster blended with reliable modern movement. 

This is another limited edition watch that has grown in demand in recent years. This is one of the driving factors for this watch to be on this list.  It is no longer produced or available through retailers. You can find many in good condition on the pre-owned market. One key factor that is that makes it so desirable is the fact that it is the last model to feature the Caliber 1861 movement. 

Specs At A Glance:

  • Reference: 311.32.40.30.01.001
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Case Diameter: 40mm
  • Case Thickness: 14.5mm
  • Dial: Black
  • Movement: OMEGA Caliber 1861 (Manual wind, base Lemania 1873)
  • Power Reserve: 48 hrs
  • Strap: Brown Barenia leather strap
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 50 m

8. OMEGA Speedmaster Alaska Project

The OMEGA Speedmaster Alaska Project series started with prototypes made between 1969 and 1972. It was built to withstand the harsh conditions of space. The early Alaska I prototypes had large, cushion-shaped cases. With time the Alaska II models went back to the traditional Speedmaster shape. For better temperate protection, they came with a red aluminum heat shield. 

In 2008, OMEGA brought back the original designs with a limited-edition "Alaska Project" Speedmaster. What came with it was the red aluminum shield with improved subdial hands, a red hour hand, and a white dial. This was an instant hit making it highly sought after by collectors. Although not produced anymore, this rare model now fetches prices that are double its original retail price making it a great watch to invest in.

Specs At A Glance:

  • Reference: 311.32.42.30.04.001
  • Case Material: Stainless steel with removable aluminum heat shield
  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Case Thickness: 14.3mm
  • Movement: OMEGA Caliber 1861 (Manual-wind, 6 beats per second)
  • Dial: White
  • Bracelet/Strap: White leather Velcro strap
  • Crystal: Hesalite
  • Water Resistance: 50m

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do OMEGA Watches Go Up In Value?

Yes, some OMEGA watches go up in value over time. Most OMEGA watches hold their value well if they are in good condition. The limited edition ones are the ones that shoot up in price in the regular. A good example would be the iconic Speedmaster.

Is It Worth It To Invest In OMEGA?

Investing in OMEGA is most definitely worthwhile if you choose right. Try to select models that are likely to become collectibles that have historical significance like the Speedmaster FiOS.

Which OMEGA Watch Holds Its Value The Best?

The OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch has been shown to hold its value the best. Alternatively, the OMEGA Speedmaster Chronograph with the classic black Tachymeter Dial is another great investment in terms of value.

Is Rolex Or OMEGA A Better Investment?

Rolex watches typically have a higher resale value.  They are generally considered a better brand from an investment point of view compared to OMEGA. However, not all Rolex watches will appreciate or hold their value equally. OMEGA watches do not appreciate as much as Rolex but they retain good value compared to most others. 

Invest In OMEGA Watches Today!

The list does not end here, always remember that. OMEGA, like other watch brands, has many other models that you should keep an eye on. Our list consisted of most of the modern remakes of the classics and some limited editions. 

However, you can find some rare pre-2000-era watches on the pre-owned market that you can snag up as an investment. If you get one now you can expect them to go up in value 10 years down the line. At the end of the day, watches should not only be considered an investment. They also need to be loved and appreciated as they are a true example of great craftsmanship.
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